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boogie down

B2 informal intransitive

To dance energetically and enthusiastically, especially to funk, soul, or hip-hop music.

In plain English

To dance with a lot of energy and fun.

What does "boogie down" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 informal

To dance with great energy and enthusiasm, especially to upbeat music.

"Everyone hit the dance floor and started to boogie down when the DJ dropped the old-school funk."

Boogie down, boogie down / I said boogie down.

— KC and the Sunshine Band, 'Boogie Down' (1974)
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To go somewhere, typically quickly or with enthusiasm.

"Come on, let's boogie down to the beach before it gets too hot."

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To do the 'boogie' (a style of dance) in a downward direction — the 'down' intensifies the action.

Actually means

To dance with a lot of energy and fun.

Usage tip

Originated in 1970s African American vernacular; closely associated with disco, funk, and early hip-hop culture. Also used as a figurative expression meaning to go somewhere or get moving. The Bronx neighborhood is sometimes called 'the Boogie Down' (Bronx). Slightly dated but still widely understood.

Words that pair with "boogie down"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

floor music party beat night groove

How to conjugate "boogie down"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
boogie down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
boogies down
he/she/it
Past simple
boogied down
yesterday
Past participle
boogied down
have + pp
-ing form
boogiing down
continuous

Hear "boogie down" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "boogie down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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